Like countless other substances used in everyday life, the fluoride used in most toothpastes and mouthwashes is dangerous in very large doses. This had led to many incorrect fear mongering reports claiming that it causes any number of health problems and should be avoided entirely. Unless you're allergic to fluoride or drinking water already treated with this important mineral, you should definitely keep using dental products that include it to get these three health benefits.

Battle Bacteria

Food residue gets stuck in the grooves on and between the teeth, creating the perfect environment for bacteria that damage the teeth. Applying a little fluoride through daily brushing and rinsing reduces the damaging effects by loosening the bacterial layer known as plaque. This increases the effectiveness of the brush's bristles and the abrasives in the toothpaste.

Aside from lowering overall bacteria levels, the fluoride helps control the amount of acid they produce. Lower acid levels lead to stronger teeth because these bacterial by-products leech important minerals out of the teeth. Without enough fluoride, you get thicker plaque layers, higher levels of bacteria, and greater acid concentrations around the teeth.

Strengthen Enamel

Fluoride plays an important role in the natural process of remineralization. Your saliva is constantly adding calcium and reinforcing the enamel that protects the surface of each tooth, and fluoride is necessary to ensure you add more enamel than you lose over the course of each day. The signs of mineral loss can show up quickly after you switch to a fluoride-free toothpaste, and these symptoms include:

• A loss of white color through the tooth, leading to a translucent look
• White and brown spots that show up just above the gum line or on the biting surfaces
• Pitting and roughened surfaces on and between the teeth

Prevent Cavities

By controlling bacterial levels and reinforcing the enamel layer on the teeth, fluoride is the best way to prevent cavities. This means fewer trips to the dentist, less time in the chair, and a healthier smile for the rest of your life. Your dentist can let you know if you're getting enough of this mineral from your drinking water or diet to drop it from your brushing and rinsing routine without putting yourself at risk for more cavities.

Children under the age of two are exempt from these benefits because they're likely to accidentally ingest too much of the otherwise beneficial mineral. Once your children are old enough to brush with only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste, it's time to make fluoride a part of their daily routine. Starting early with strong mineralization and enamel growth will give them a sparkling smile that takes less work to maintain for the rest of their life.

To learn more, contact a company like West Lakes Family Dentistry with any questions or concerns you might have.